Question

Which of the following is a root of the equation 2x^2 −5x−3=0?

Answer 1

x = 3 or x = -1/2

Explanation:

Solve for x:

2 x^2 - 5 x - 3 = 0

The left hand side factors into a product with two terms:

(x - 3) (2 x + 1) = 0

Split into two equations:

x - 3 = 0 or 2 x + 1 = 0

Add 3 to both sides:

x = 3 or 2 x + 1 = 0

Subtract 1 from both sides:

x = 3 or 2 x = -1

Divide both sides by 2:

Answer: x = 3 or x = -1/2